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Selecting a Christmas tree and decorating with greenery are popular holiday traditions. Here’s how to have all the fun while ensuring you don’t accidentally spread invasive forest pests.

A light dusting of snow covered the ground as we made the steep climb. My wife and I scanned the hillside for our quarry. We’ve come to this national forest seeking many things over the years: deer, trout, wildflowers, upland birds, rare birds, scenic views.

Today, Forest Service permit in hand, we sought our Christmas. Our Idaho forest is characterized by ponderosa pines; many of the trees surrounding us would not fit the White House let alone our little home. And the smaller trees, while healthy, looked more like Charlie Brown trees than the lush, full firs available at local stores.

But you don’t go to the national forest for the perfect tree. You go to be out in the fresh air, getting rigorous exercise, with the reward being elk and chickadees and Rocky Mountain scenery.

For many of us, finding a Christmas tree is steeped in memory and tradition. As a kid, we’d visit the local tree farm where we could cut our own. My grandparents selected a tree from their own rural property.

The sad thing is, these pests often receive human help to infest new areas. Fortunately, it’s easy to make sure your Christmas tree traditions and holiday greenery decorations are not contributing to the spread.

Here are tips from my friends at Don’t Move Firewood to ensure you are minimizing the risk of invasive species.

Go Local

The farther you transport a tree, the more likely you could be introducing a brand-new pest to your neighborhood. If you decide to go tree hunting in the wild (with proper permits), aim for within 10 or 20 miles of your home. Permits are inexpensive, and it can be a fun family outing. Get an extra permit, and check with local charities to see if they need trees for local families.

If you buy from a pre-cut tree from a store, make sure it is an established, reputable vendor. “Fly by night” tree sellers set up alongside a road are less likely to comply with state or federal regulations.

Pick a Healthy Tree

I recall my mother giving potential Christmas trees a thorough exam before purchasing. Turns out, she was doing the environmentally responsible thing. You don’t want a brown tree that’s shedding needles, do you? Those trees aren’t just a fire hazard; they may also be harboring diseases. Pick a tree with perky, bright-green needles and springy, soft branches.

Make Your Own Wreathes and Displays from Local Plants

There are many resources on Instagram and craft sites with ideas for making your own beautiful wreathes and holiday displays. You can use local plants (following all applicable regulations, of course) to create your decorations.

A bowl of pine cones with cinnamon sticks makes a free and attractive centerpiece. Extra-branches from your Christmas tree can be fashioned into a nice door display or even an elaborate wreath. Be creative.

But Don’t Use Invasive Species in Your Wreaths

When you’re selecting plants to use in your holiday displays, make sure they’re not invasive. Multiflora rose and Asian bittersweet might be abundant and colorful, but they are also nasty invasives that out-compete native plants. Don’t risk spreading them by putting them in your displays. There are many resources that list and identify invasive plants in your area.

Buy Wreaths, Garlands and Other Holiday Decorations from Established Vendors

A lot of folks buy wreaths online. That’s fine – just buy from established companies. Avoid “great deals” on eBay and Craigslist from unknown people. Established, reputable companies have to comply with regulations and quarantines designed to stop the spread of invasive pests. A random person selling a wreath on eBay may not.

Dispose of Your Tree and Wreath Properly

It might be tempting to put your tree in the backyard or in a brush pile to help wildlife. Don’t do this. If your tree does contain invasive species, you are introducing them to the neighborhood. Many communities now recycle trees, and that’s the best option. Otherwise, dispose of your tree at a municipal compost facility or in the regular trash.

Matthew L. Miller is director of science communications for The Nature Conservancy and editor of the Cool Green Science blog. A lifelong naturalist and outdoor enthusiast, he has covered stories on science and nature around the globe. Matt has worked for the Conservancy for the past 14 years, previously serving as director of communications for the Idaho program.
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Stop…such invasive wealth of problems to buy a seasonal purchase of a tree and what the outcome will be into the next mellinium….for gods sake wake up to what you are talking about for a week or so of simple joy to just have a green aromatic tree in your place….stop with all this nonsense and grow up !!